DOE's Hydropower Testing Network Fuels Innovation in Sustainable Energy

Advancing Hydropower: DOE's Hydropower Testing Network Fuels Innovation in Sustainable Energy

Hydropower remains a cornerstone of the United States' renewable energy portfolio, providing reliable, carbon-free electricity while supporting grid stability in an era of increasing variable renewables like wind and solar. As of early 2026, hydropower continues to account for a substantial share of utility-scale renewable generation, powering millions of homes and offering essential flexibility through pumped storage for energy storage. Despite challenges from aging infrastructure and climate variability, the sector is undergoing a renaissance driven by technological innovation. On January 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) announced the selection of 12 innovative hydropower technology developers to receive specialized testing support through the Hydropower Testing Network (HyTN). This nationwide initiative connects developers with 18 advanced U.S.-based test facilities, helping accelerate the maturation of technologies that improve efficiency, minimize environmental impacts, and extend the lifespan of hydropower assets.

The Enduring Importance of Hydropower

For over a century, hydropower has been a reliable backbone of American electricity generation. It provides baseload power that complements intermittent sources, contributes significantly to renewable output, and enables rapid response to grid demands via pumped storage facilities. However, many of the nation's hydropower plants are decades old and require modernization to maintain performance amid growing electricity needs from electrification, data centers, and industrial growth.

Recognizing this, the WPTO is championing innovation to ensure hydropower's continued relevance. WPTO Director Matthew Grosso highlighted the program's goal: "The hydropower sector is developing innovative technologies to ensure this resource continues to provide reliable power to electricity grids and help meet U.S. energy goals for years to come. With HyTN, we are helping developers advance these technologies faster by connecting them with U.S.-based test facilities and expertise."

The HyTN voucher program, funded by WPTO and managed through a partnership with ENERGYWERX and DOE’s Office of Technology Transitions, removes a major hurdle for innovators: access to costly, specialized testing infrastructure. By matching projects with the right facilities, HyTN de-risks development and paves the way for faster commercialization.

The 12 Groundbreaking Projects

The selected developers span a wide range of solutions, from advanced materials and lubricants to fish-friendly designs and biofouling prevention. Each project leverages unique testing capabilities to validate and refine its technology.

1. Carpenter Technology Corporation (Philadelphia, PA)  

   The company is evaluating its A-21 alloy, an advanced stainless steel known for exceptional strength and wear resistance, in controlled environments at Argonne National Laboratory. This material could significantly improve the durability of bearings in hydropower turbines, reducing corrosion, abrasive wear, and cracking while minimizing costly downtime for repairs.

2. Continuous Solutions(Portland, OR)  

   Developing a novel generator and inverter system optimized for 10-100 kW microhydro turbines, ideal for remote communities and off-grid applications. Testing at Sandia National Laboratories will focus on electrical standards compliance, design validation, and performance under diverse conditions.

3. InPipe Energy Inc. (Portland, OR)  

   Creating an innovative system that converts excess pressure in water pipelines into renewable electricity, with integrated battery storage for off-grid reliability. Validation testing will demonstrate consistent energy production in real-world scenarios.

4. Kingsbury, Inc.(Philadelphia, PA)  

   Investigating advanced surface finishes, lubricants, and materials for fluid film bearings at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Improvements here could enhance efficiency and reliability in both new and existing hydropower and pumped storage facilities.

5. KW River Hydroelectric, Inc. (Cincinnati, OH)  

   Prototyping a submerged crossflow turbine designed to generate power at dam bases while simultaneously eliminating dangerous downstream currents. Simulated real-world testing will confirm performance and safety benefits.

6. Littoral Power Systems, Inc.(New Bedford, MA)  

   Evaluating a specialized louver system for water intake pipes that prevents fish entrainment, tailored to East Coast migrating species. Testing at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will provide critical data for regulatory approvals.

7. Optical Waters Inc.(Amherst, MA)  

   Testing ultraviolet-light-emitting optical fibers as a chemical-free method to prevent biofouling in hard-to-access areas like pipes and channels. This approach could substantially reduce maintenance costs and improve operational efficiency.

8. Prometheus Innovations, LLC (Lafayette, LA)  

   Refining a multiuse composite polymer coating that minimizes mussel accumulation, enhances acoustic performance, and reduces fluid friction on submerged surfaces.

9. Radmantis(Toledo, OH)  

   Assessing an artificial intelligence-powered device for species-specific fish classification and selective diversion, advancing safer and more targeted fish passage solutions.

10. River Connectivity Systems (Bainbridge Island, WA)  

    Applying biofouling-resistant coatings to selective withdrawal screens designed to limit invasive species spread and improve downstream water quality.

11. VBASE Oil Company (Pendleton, SC)  

    Analyzing environmentally acceptable turbine oils, hydraulic fluids, and gear oils as high-performance, low-risk alternatives to traditional lubricants, reducing potential environmental hazards from spills.

12. Verterra Energy Inc.(New Brighton, MN)  

    Characterizing fish interactions with modular hydropower turbines optimized for shallow-water deployment, expanding viable sites for new generation.

Addressing Key Challenges Through Innovation

These projects collectively tackle some of hydropower's most pressing issues:

Durability and Efficiency: Advanced materials, bearings, and lubricants extend component life and reduce energy losses.

Environmental Compatibility: Fish-safe louvers, selective passage systems, and modular designs minimize ecological impacts while enabling regulatory compliance.

Operational Maintenance: Chemical-free biofouling prevention and eco-friendly lubricants lower costs and environmental risks.

New Applications: Microhydro, pipeline energy recovery, and low-head modular systems unlock untapped potential in non-traditional sites.

By supporting these diverse innovations, HyTN fosters a more sustainable and resilient hydropower fleet capable of meeting future demands.

The Path Ahead: Recommendations for Sustained Progress

To build on HyTN's momentum and maximize hydropower's contributions to clean energy goals, several strategic steps are recommended:

1. Scale Up Testing Support: Expand voucher funding and incorporate additional specialized facilities to accommodate growing demand from innovators.

2.Integrate Environmental Priorities Early:Require environmental impact assessments and fish-friendly features in all modernization and new development projects.

3.Promote Advanced Manufacturing Techniques: Encourage adoption of lightweight composites, 3D-printed components, and smart materials to reduce costs and improve performance.

4. Facilitate Knowledge Sharing: Establish open-access databases of testing results and best practices to accelerate industry-wide learning.

5. Incentivize Distributed and Modular Deployments: Provide targeted support for small-scale and microhydro projects that enhance rural electrification and grid resilience.

6. Accelerate Biofouling Solutions: Prioritize rapid deployment of proven anti-biofouling technologies across existing facilities to deliver immediate efficiency gains.

Through initiatives like HyTN and continued investment in research and development, the United States can modernize its hydropower infrastructure, add new clean capacity, and maintain leadership in sustainable water power technologies. These advancements ensure that hydropower remains a vital, reliable pillar of the nation's energy system for generations to come.

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